Universal Questions from a newbie

[Sarahbelle341]

OK I am considering visiting the dark side after doing 4 trips to Walt Disney World and a Disney cruise the last few years. I'm trying to weigh all my offsite/onsite hotel options, and different ticket options to figure out what would work out best for our family.

1. Parking- We drive down and like driving to the parks at Disney. We typically stay on site at Disney and get free hotel parking and free parking at the parks. Do Universal hotels charge a parking fee? Do on site hotel guests get free parking in the parks?

2. Resort Fees- Which on site Universal hotels charge resort fees and which don't. What are they for?

3. Split Stays- IF we do decide to part at a local Hilton and part on site at Universal are there disadvantages to this other than the hassle of changing hotels?

4. Do Orlando Flex tickets allow you to ride the Hogworth train ride?

5. Are the refillable mugs at Universal similar to Disney's?

6. Is the quick service dining plan in the parks at Universal similar to Disney quick service dining plan?

7. What is the difference between the photo packages and character meets between the two parks?

 

[dixonsontour]

Yes resorts charge parking $20 a night (12 cabana bay) you also pay 20 to park at universal even if you are staying onsite. You would have no need to drive to parks if staying onsite - all hotels are a short walk/boat or bus ride as in 5 mins.

No resort fees.

Can't think of any.

Yes as long as says both parks or park to park you are fine.

In the parks unlike Disney you can get a cup and pay $1 a refill of soda all trip includes souvenir cups. We have a minion. They also do a freestyle one which you pay approx $12 for day 1 and then half price for extra days. Water is free at qs or from freestyle machines. Cabana bay does a resort refill mug same as Disney resort mug plus you can get iccees. For week long stay it is 17.99 shorter stays are cheaper.

They do a dining plan but it is usually only worth it if you are eating in a potter restaurant with more expensive entrees. 19.99 for a entree and drink plus extra drink and snack. Buy in advance or when you order meal. You can use snack and drink another day. Kids are 12.99

The photo connect card sells in different lengths to match your length of stay. If you buy in advance it is cheaper. Different characters at both parks. There is also a parade at universal with lots of characters like Dora, sponge bob and minions. Simpsons and scooby at universal. Spider-Man etc at islands.

 

[RMulieri]

Yes the resorts charge parking ( Disney does too, they just build it into resort rates) .No free parking for the parks, but you DONT NEED TO DRIVE. If you are staying at a deluxe resort, it is actually a further hike to the parks by parking in the park garage. The parks are super close together ( literally next to each other ) and the resorts are all walkable or have their own boat. Cabana bay does not have a boat and is a bit further , but is still walkable and has bus . The deluxe resort boats drop you at the citywalk boat dock ( across from the park entrances) . Cabana bay drops you off at the garage ( same place you would be if you drive).

 

[dixonsontour]

Cabana bay drops you near escalators at entrance to citywalk (where the bag check is) it is nearer than the parking garage. We drove and parked once (had been somewhere offsite) but it was more hassle and further than the bus.

 

[Sarahbelle341]

OK so I see that Sea World Hotels offer free fast pass and deluxe universal hotels offer the same. Is there any disadvantage to do like 4 nights in a Sea World hotel and then one night in a Universal deluxe?

 

[snoopboop]

OK so I see that Sea World Hotels offer free fast pass and deluxe universal hotels offer the same. Is there any disadvantage to do like 4 nights in a Sea World hotel and then one night in a Universal deluxe?

Well, the Sea World hotel wouldn't get you the Universal Express Pass.... so the disadvantage would be that one night in a Universal deluxe would only get you two days of EP...

 

[dixonsontour]

What are your park plans? You will need more time at universal v sea world. There is transport to sea world from universal if you are staying at universal.

 

[Sarahbelle341]

I'm not sure how many days we really need at each parks since none of us have been to any. My DS is 6 and wont' do Disney coasters so I'm thinking there wont be as much for him at Universal. My brother travels with us and he is a thrill seeker but doesn't do water rides. DH rides everything and I ride almost nothing (motions sickness issues and bad bacK) so I mostly do shows and a few tame rides. We would like to stay a week in Orlando... I think I'm in over my head. Help!

 

[Grumpy92]

Take a breath. US is much easier to do compared to Disney. Not as much planning ahead is required. No need for FP+ reservations or adrs. I would do 2-3 days for the two parks. Then add a vacation day to relax, hang out at the pool.
* Parking - the resorts do charge for parking, The rate is $12 per night at CBBR and a little higher at the other hotels.
* Resort Fees - non of the US/Loews hotels charge resort fees.
Discounts - sign up for emails on the US website. We have gotten 40% hotel discounts. You also might consider one adult getting an AP as you get discounts for hotels, merchandise and restaurants. Pretty much all US locations not limited like WDW. Stay away from packages they are not worth the price.
* The benefit to staying on property is the express pass at some hotels and the early admittance to parks.
Parking charges would be the disadvantage of staying off site. We also like to take a resort day or two, The resorts are just so nice and you can pool hop.
We have gone in April and Sept and stay away from weekends in the park and found we really didn't need the express pass. It is much less of a marathon at US.
We also like their transportation which is hassle free. No planning an extra hour for transportation. It only takes 5-15 mins to get anywhere.
* Flex Ticket - not sure but if it allows park hopping you can then use the Hogwarts Express Train
* Refillable Mugs - There is one you can use at the resort. They also have a refillable mug at the parks Two separate fees and you cannot use the same at the hotels and parks only one or the other. I actually think the US mugs are a better deal then Disney and they give you more flexibility.
* I don't recommend the QS dining option like Disney's version it is a rip off. Unless you are getting the limited time BOGO offer for APH>
* Sorry we have not done the photo or character meets

As a first timer you also might want to consider using Dreams Unlimited Travel. They are the TAs that run this site and are great. They can help you with all of this. I knew my way around a Disney vacation so the first couple times I used them for US. They were so helpful and look for resort discounts for you even after you book. I don't normally advise using a TA but they know their stuff.

 

[sk8jdgca]

There are character meals at the hotel restaurants. You just order off the menu and they show up...no additional fees. I've seen then at restaurants with only families at 2 tables so those people got a lot of attention. Royal pacific hotel is real nice and includes the express passes. All the hotels at Universal have great pools and you can pool hop so even taking a day to do the resorts is fun too.
We did Seaworld but it was really only a one day park for us. Residence inns are nice as they have a kitchen. We've done split stays doing 2 or 3 nights at universal then moving somewhere else for the remainder.

Also price out club level at The Royal Pacific. It is normally around 100 more a night but gives you breakfast, snacks and drinks all day and a small meal at dinner...then desserts later